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The current exhibition in PCA&D's Main Gallery, Selected Artworks from the BFA Program at PCA&D, features a selection of outstanding artwork created by forty of our rising junior and senior BFA students. A wide variety of media are represented including digital and hand-painted illustration, sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography and graphic design.

The exhibitruns through July 20.Opening Reception: First Friday, July 6, 5 -8 p.m.

This is the first in a series of posts where PCA&D students talk about their art, inspirations, influences, and thoughts about their education. Today four PCA&D students, whose are is in the "Selected Artworks" exhibit, talk about what they've gained from their PCA&D experience, and their favorite media for making art.

Alexandra Conn

What do you value most about your PCAD experience this past year?

Emily Phillips, Graphic Design, Class of 2020

I think this past year in particular was amazing because it was the first time i could really delve into my major during my time at the school. It was exciting to see how my foundation year prepared me for the more challenging courses of these past two semesters.

Anthony Nardo, Graphic Design, Class of 2020

Over the past year, one of the aspects of my PCA&D experience that I value the most would be the diversity of my classes. There were so many uniquely different classes I took which really allowed myself to expand greatly with my overall skills, but it has also allowed me to expand my creativity. Having a broad knowledge of different mediums has led me to be more inclined to try new methods and implement various ideas into unique projects. That has become very valuable to me, and my progress so far has been very rewarding.

Larissa Ramey, Photography, Class of 2019

What I value most at PCA&D is the ability to intermingle with fine artists and graphic designers. Collaboration and community events have helped me to venture out of my comfort zone and discover new mediums and artists that have ideas that I am interested in.

Kyeir A. Smith, Digital Media, Class of 2020

Hard work. After foundation year was over and I found what major interested me the most it was time to look at the basics. This past year taught a lot of what would be required of me in my field and how micromanage all while introducing new skill sets. Knowing I’ve made it at least this far shows the effort, time, and dedication I’m willing to put into my future.

Emily Phillips

In addition to growing as an artist, how has your PCA&D experience impacted you?

Emily Phillips, Graphic Design, Class of 2020

There is an amazing community at PCA&D of individuals that care for one another and ultimately want to see each other succeed. That positive environment has been such an amazing experience for me.

Anthony Nardo, Graphic Design, Class of 2020

I am in an atmosphere where I am pushed to put out my best work and taught how to push the envelope each and every project. Every teacher has really inspired me to go above and beyond and by doing so, I am inspired to go in depth with each and every one of my projects. With PCA&D being such a small school, I feel that I have had a better experience in such environment as there is so much more of a connection with all four grade levels as well as the connection with my teachers as well as there is so much more of a one on one connection.

Larissa Ramey, Photography, Class of 2019

As a growing artist at PCA&D the guidance and resources of our professors has been invaluable. I am very excited to see how my art will broaden for my senior thesis and how all of the knowledge, critiques and collaborations will bring for me.

Kyeir A. Smith, Digital Media, Class of 2020

My PCA&D experience has helped me with improving my work ethic and time management skills.

What is your favorite medium to work with? Have you discovered a new media during your studies that you never thought you would use?

Kyeir Smith

Emily Phillips, Graphic Design, Class of 2020

If left to my own devices i would have to say that ultimately my favorite medium is just pencil and paper. The idea process is probably my favorite stage of design making and you just have so much freedom with pencil and paper that you don’t have with other media. I love the fact that I can create absolutely anywhere if the need arises.

Anthony Nardo, Graphic Design, Class of 2020

My favorite medium to work with is traditional with materials like paints, pastels, charcoals etc. This may be surprising as I am a graphic designer my medium is usually computer based. Being passionate in the traditional media has really allowed me to apply the same concepts on the computer so I can push the boundaries and the same when I try new things on the computer and apply them traditionally. I have found that the two complement each other and have allowed me to really improve my skills as an artist.

Larissa Ramey, Photography, Class of 2019

My major is photography and I am excited to expand my artistic practices with fiber arts, performance and alternative processes. A new medium that I have been very excited to engage in is the environmental science, to learn and engage in the landscape with my art.

Kyeir A. Smith, Digital Media, Class of 2020

I love animation and even though I haven’t been able to use every program out there; I would say Adobe Animate and Maya are my most favorite platforms to use.

Summer Hours for PCA&D's Main Gallery are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open First Friday until 8 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.